angelship

plural angelships

1. countableuncountableThe role or status of an angel; the condition of being an angel.

   Overheard him and Petrus plotting to get rid of you. Had to let my contact know, 'specially as I was charged with angelship over you.

   2021, Lucinda Roy, The Freedom Race, →ISBN

   2 more examples

   The essence of angelship or messengership is ministration to the service of mankind: 'Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation?'

   1893, The King and the Kingdom: A Study of the Four Gospels, page 52

   There is nothing training cannot do. Nothing is above its reach. It can turn bad morals to good; it can destroy bad principles and recreate good ones; it can lift men to angelship.

   c. 1901–1902, Mark Twain, As Regards Patriotism

   Synonyms: angelhood

2. countableironicoftenuncountableUsed as a title or term of address for an angel or virtuous person.

   "His angelship was amazingly condescending," said Vargas, who could scarcely smother his laughter.

   1822, Vargas: A Tale of Spain, volume 3, page 198

   2 more examples

   'Your angelship has only to speak, and I am at your feet,' said the smoker with a theatrical flourish, dimly seen, and scarcely appreciated.

   1895, James Ewing Ritchie, Crying for the Light or Fifty Years Ago, →ISBN

   'Yes, your angelship, and if you don't take that bleedin' saucepan off the gas, you'll stink the place out,' Dolly said tartly, back on form almost instantly.

   2003, Jean Saunders, Unforgettable, published 2013, →ISBN